Hurricane Milton, Open Thread
October 9th, 2024
Joe realizes many readers here are in government shelters or have evacuated the Tampa Bay area because of Hurricane Milton. And there’s lots of folks holed up at home waiting for the power to go out, or worse.
If you want to drop comments below about storm-related life or the Bucs (not politics), feel free.
Stay safe!
October 9th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Thanks, @Joes.
October 9th, 2024 at 11:28 am
Prayers from Wisconsin. Stay safe down there everyone.
October 9th, 2024 at 11:31 am
Prayers from central NC. Helene was brutal on this state. Be safe and play it safe – stuff can be replaced, lives cannot.
Thinking of all in the path of this horrendous storm!
October 9th, 2024 at 11:33 am
š. Pray for the safety of those in lower areas. (I live in a Zone C area of Hillsborough County.)
Go Bucs!
October 9th, 2024 at 11:40 am
You all have my prayers from Orlando too. The storm is going to hit us too, but we are about as far inland as you can get in Florida. No storm surge here.
October 9th, 2024 at 11:42 am
Saw where the coast/beaches will be dramatically reshaped as a result of Helene and Milton.
October 9th, 2024 at 11:46 am
Reshaped along the western side of the Florida peninsula.
October 9th, 2024 at 11:46 am
Whats more disturbing than this storm are the comments and videos online of people hoping [Now, now. Joe kindly asked readers to refrain from this subject matter (see the second-last paragraph of the post). — Joe]. WTF is wrong with people?
October 9th, 2024 at 11:49 am
We in Oklahoma r praying 4 yall!!!
B safe, n, hang in there!!!!!
October 9th, 2024 at 11:58 am
Prayers from Charlotte NC for my fellow Bucs fans. Be safe !!!
October 9th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Statewide Evacuation Assistance phone: 800-729-3413
October 9th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Does anyone know if it’s truly safe to sit next to a closed hurricane impact window at 100 mph?
October 9th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
Joe wouldn’t sit near any window, not even bulletproof glass, in any sort of a storm much less a Cat-4 monster.
“Other Joe” will attest to attending extraordinary demonstrations showing the safety of verified impact windows, and that was years ago and technology has improved. Make your own judgments carefully. Not every impact window is the same. You can check your receipt or installation permit and see what grade window you really have — and research serial numbers on the windows. Also, this Joe would make that decision, in large part, based on knowledge of who installed the window and reliability of the vendor. –Joe
October 9th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Prayers from Guadalajara, Mexico. Please stary Safe
October 9th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
*stay
October 9th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
God or whoever is up there, bless everybody on my beloved Tampa, my prayers are for all you guys….
ZZBucs from Argentina!!!!
October 9th, 2024 at 12:10 pm
The beer is cold and the joints are rolled! Go Bucs!!!
October 9th, 2024 at 12:12 pm
[Once again, please read the second paragraph of the post. Thank you. — Joe]
October 9th, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Vacation in Sarasota, Anna Maria or the Keys every year…. I really hate this is going to happen and has happened to the people in the area.
Truth is, this is when you can see the best of people or the worst of some folks. Help your neighbor, who is your neighbor? Anyone in need at this time. Don’t wait for the government, people in NC are still waiting. That is not political, it is the TRUTH.
Bucs will take a load off of some people, if only it is a couple of hours by going down to New Orleans and kicking some butt. Stay safe everyone.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:16 pm
@Joes… apologies, I do pray for all people involved, though. It’s just a disturbing element.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:23 pm
You’re not wrong. š
October 9th, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Stay as safe and secure as your situations allow. I Have family from St. Pete to Naples.
Much Love and Good Vibe to you and yours.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
TBBF now lives in Wilmington, NCā¦. Weāve had our share of hurricanesā¦..thoughts and prayers to all affected areasā¦..
October 9th, 2024 at 12:27 pm
As a Bucs from the UK for over 30 years, having listened/read JBF for too many unhealthy hours, i have a great bond with the Tampa area, and visited many times. The wider world is supporting and hoping for the best for everyone – Be smart, be kind to others and you’ll get through this.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:29 pm
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge just closed.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:32 pm
Thanks, Joe for the open thread. You are 100% right.
The waiting and not knowing is unnerving. And afterwards too.
Best wishes and blessings to everyone in the area. Hoping for everyone to be safe.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Not to lessen the blow, but I see dry air already entering it. I would not be surprised to see further weakening at the next advisory at 2 pm. There’s a cold front pushing down, and the jet stream has dropped South. If this was August we’d really be screwed, but it’s Oct. If there’s any saving grace, time of the year might really help us. Good luck all.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Stay safe Tampa Bay. However, I hope the hurricane motivates the Bucs to kick the living sh!t of the Saints.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Here is bucs fun from Serbia. Stay safe Tampa bay
October 9th, 2024 at 12:45 pm
When I was a kid, my family weathered a hurricane in Florida. I didn’t grasp the gravity of situation and thought it was great fun when the oranges and grapefruits were ripped off their trees and slammed into the house. Then my father was almost killed when he went into the garage at the same time a tree decided it was time to fall. Things got serious real quick. Now, my father is 93 and directly in the path of this hurricane. Prayers appreciated.
October 9th, 2024 at 12:46 pm
From Serbia! Welcome! Don’t be a stranger. And thanks for your thoughts.
(Yeah, and Joe is going to keep posting so long as he has power. Already scheduling some posts for tomorrow. š )
October 9th, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Seems like we have a meteorologist in our midst. š Think you are onto something. Local weather guys on social media gently suggesting same may be in play (they don’t want to get people’s hopes up or seem like they want others to be in harm’s way).
October 9th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
I’m hunkered down in a shelter in Sarasota
October 9th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Here in Bradenton. Wish me luck! Prayers and positive thoughts to all those impacted by this storm. Go Bucs!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Checking in from Winter Haven where the rumble of thunder has started. Prayers up for everyone and a hearty thanks to the City of New Orleans for taking care of our Bucs family.
Of course, we want to beat your slimy team on Sunday, but definitely grateful for the hospitality.
October 9th, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Be safe you guys!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Prayers and mental steering energy from the mountains of the central Dominican Republic.
Old time FL boy here. I recall getting triple whacked in Vina del Mar in 2004, and know what trepidation feels like.
October 9th, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Prayers and good mojo from Chicagoland!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
Thinking about all of you up here in Chicago! May you all stay safe and be well!
Go Bucs! Go State of Florida!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
All of you guys stay safe and you will be in my prayers!!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Being from Largo and most have my family deciding to stay (Largo & Clearwater), I am anxiously awaiting this storm from the panhandle! Thoughts and prayers for everyone back home and in its path. I will see the aftermath at the end of the month when I attend a Bucs game. Stay safe Buc family!
October 9th, 2024 at 1:45 pm
I’m up in the Panhandle and we had to deal with Helene a couple of weeks ago. I feel for all of you in Tampa Bay. Just terrible to have two storms in succession like this. Hoping for the best for you all, especially for your safety.
October 9th, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Be careful residents of the area and I hope you have left by now. Milton will go thru like Cousins went thru Britt.
October 9th, 2024 at 1:51 pm
Hoping for the best for everyone. Stay safe!
October 9th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Hurricane Charley hit Polk County 20 years ago, it don’t seem that long ago. And two more hurricanes followed.
October 9th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Best wishes from Western NC ! Stay safe please.
October 9th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
All my family in Tampa
STAY SAFE!
October 9th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
Hodad was onto something. Just now from Paul Dellegatto of WTVT-TV Channel 13.
October 9th, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Hunkering down in Hudson and the winds are picking up. Stay safe, my fellow Floridians!
October 9th, 2024 at 2:38 pm
I got an honest question for the folks staying put during this hurricane that I donāt want to come as being an a$$ when itās really a sincere question. I live in the high desert where the closest thing to a hurricane Iāve ever seen is a flash flood. Almost every year I see pics of the devastation they do and this year so far whatās happened in so many states is 100% heartbreaking. My question is why take the risk of staying when they report whatās coming is the worst one in a long time? Is it knowing how your house was built or where itās located? Does it have to do with animals that canāt be all loaded and moved? Money issue where you canāt afford to stay in a hotel for that period or everything half way close is booked up? I saw traffic trying to leave and by the time you know where itās going to hit you canāt drive away because of traffic?
Iām praying for everyone going through this and hope you all come out on the backside whole and healthy! Please be safe and I hope everything works out just fine! And again, this really is a sincere question about something Iāve never even been within a 1000 miles of.
October 9th, 2024 at 2:42 pm
Praying for you all from Oklahoma, stay safe, be well
October 9th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Hunkered down in south Lake County. Good luck to all.
October 9th, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Looters. Not that there are a bunch of them, but just folks are protective of their possessions.
Traffic is another. If you don’t get out by a certain time, you likely aren’t getting out.
October 9th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
look at you losers even with a major hurricane you guys are on Joe Bucs fan lol that is sad and pathetic and lonely, no friends just a hurricane and joe bucs fan lol
October 9th, 2024 at 3:23 pm
Jack Meoff Says:
October 9th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
look at you losers even with a major hurricane you guys are on Joe Bucs fan lol that is sad and pathetic and lonely, no friends just a hurricane and joe bucs fan lol
……
and here you are Jackoff
October 9th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
Praying for everyone on the west coast. We are just getting random tornadoes here in Port Saint Lucie. Stay safe buc fans.
October 9th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Pewter941 in Sarasota & richardtyson in Bradenton… praying for you guys… since it could end up making landfall down there.
I’m in Riverview but flood zone D (luckily) … too close for comfort though.
Still have power and wifi, though. That’s something.
October 9th, 2024 at 3:37 pm
Miller5252… It’s different for everyone.
If your on the coast or flood zone A & B… get the heck outta Dodge! You weight you options. I have 2 dogs, have a well built home in flood zone D (everyone in my area sits lower than my property as well). I’ve lived in Riverview and have been through a number of hurricanes, so I’m experienced and prepared. I’m inland far enough where water won’t be an issue. My worries…
large oaks in my yard falling over and loss of power for a while afterwards. But have done well in those two areas in the past.
Evacuating is tough. Gas can be scarce and the interstates get jammed up. It can be risky as well. I’ve had family and friends go through much worse on the road than me staying home.
October 9th, 2024 at 3:54 pm
Clearwater Beach webcam:
October 9th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
I am with you, stay strong !!Bastien from Paris
October 9th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
Bienvenu!
Vous c’est peut-ĆŖtre le premier commentateur de notre Joe en provenance de France. S’il vous plaĆ®t, ne soyez pas un Ć©tranger. (Joe est horrible avec le franƧais mais Google Translate semble fonctionner.)
October 9th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
Good luck from Naples. Looks like the storm is starting to weaken a little bit. As far as evacuating, I think the trick is not feel you have to go too far. 100 miles is more than enough to get you out of the worst of any storm, and that allows you to get you there and back on one tank of gas. Just make your hotel reservations as soon as the storm looks like it might head your way, and then you are allowed to cancel during a storm emergency up to 24 hours ahead without penalty. That way you have the ability to wait until you are sure where it’s going to decide whether you need to leave or not. Try and pick a hotel that has a generator and that is pet friendly if you have pets.
October 9th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
Hunkered down near the stadium. Be safe fellow Buc fans!
October 9th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
Cobra, vina del Mar?! I was there in ’72 I believe when Agnes came through. Just a kid.
October 9th, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Down to a cat 3, so hopefully that continues.
Stay safe everyone!
October 9th, 2024 at 5:16 pm
Stay safe and best wishes from Spain to all my fellow Bucs fans.
Praying it’ll be over soon, everyone is unharmed and we kick the saints teeth in on Sunday! Vamos!
October 9th, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Sitting tight in Sarasota. So far so good!
October 9th, 2024 at 5:29 pm
From the north Georgia mountains an hour from Atlanta, wishing you all Godās strength and protection!
The Bucs family is my family!
October 9th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Just a little breeze and a bit of rain in Orlando so far. I’m pretty sure just after midnight will be the worst time here.
October 9th, 2024 at 5:40 pm
I am from Temple Terrace. But do not live in Fl. I am a die-hard Bucs fan, Praying for all of you on the west coast there in Fl. And other parts of the state.
October 9th, 2024 at 6:04 pm
Just read online that Derek Carr is out this Sunday with an injury. The Saints are starting a rookie QB.
I would normally cheer at this but…rookie QB’s have beaten us too many times in the past.
October 9th, 2024 at 6:18 pm
Prayers from Savannah, GA to all the bay area. Even the stinking gator fans… I guess? Haha
October 9th, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Prayers from Warwick, Georgia to the Bay Area.
October 9th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
6:30 in Kissimmee. Raining and some wind. Waiting the good stuff. They say the eye will go over Kissimmee. We’ll see. So tired of hearing the term ‘hunker down’. š
October 9th, 2024 at 6:42 pm
Positive thoughts and Prayers for everyone down there!!
October 9th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
Sitting here at my computer 1,200 miles away, watching Fox13 Tampa’s live coverage of the hurricane.
Please be safe, people. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
October 9th, 2024 at 7:43 pm
Guys, for some incredible footage and info, on you tube check out “Ryan Hall, Ya’ll”
Amazing info and unlike any storm coverage I’ve ever seen. Basically a bunch of weather nerds not related to the gov. Earlier the covered 20 tornadoes that touched down and did damage in Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Just an FYI.
October 9th, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Bradenton here. Feeling it.
October 9th, 2024 at 8:11 pm
Stay safe everyone. Praying for all of you.
October 9th, 2024 at 8:17 pm
Good luck guys. I’m praying for you.
October 9th, 2024 at 8:38 pm
Stay safe everyone. Hope everyone got out of harms way in time.
October 9th, 2024 at 8:41 pm
Have my snorkel & fins right next to me ……. just in case
October 9th, 2024 at 8:50 pm
Looks like Siesta Key and South Sarasota will get the worst surge.
October 9th, 2024 at 9:19 pm
Thoughts and prayers from Fort Myers!
October 9th, 2024 at 9:29 pm
I live outside Asheville NC. It was 8 days without power here. I hope you guys fare better and stay safe.
October 9th, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Drew in NC Says:
October 9th, 2024 at 9:29 pm
I live outside Asheville NC. It was 8 days without power here. I hope you guys fare better and stay safe.
Bro, I live in Maggie Valley. Howdy.
October 9th, 2024 at 10:47 pm
First, thanks for the kind words guys. Much appreciated.
FYI, the power at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters has been flickering on and off for the past 20 minutes. And there is no cell service currently without WiFi. Rest assured Joe has stories already filed and scheduled for the morning.
So if you happen to not see any comments from Joe for a few hours, you know why.
Now, Joe’s going to be a good Florida Man and do what Florida Man does during hurricanes.
Joe’s going to commence drinking. š
October 9th, 2024 at 11:05 pm
The roof is coming off the Fruitdome!
October 9th, 2024 at 11:17 pm
Joe, this thread has been amazing. Kudos to all those wishing others well. Iāve been in NE TN cleaning up after the last storm and the stories of how the communities have pulled together here warms my heart. That will happen in Siesta Key as well, Iām certain.
Prayers for all my family and friends in Bradenton tonight and I know that they will get through all this.
Now itās time for some Four Roses Small Batch neat for me. Stay safe Joe and see you on the other side.
Go Bucs!
October 10th, 2024 at 12:03 am
Thank you for all the prayers. Pretty scarry hearing things hitting the roof and windows around 6pm. We just got PGT window installed this summer and boarded up on top. I tried to play fortnite with my son to pass time, but my wife was getting anxiety. Took the dogs out during the eye passing and confirmed the shingles in our yard were from someone else’s house. I grew up in sarasota and don’t remember ever boarding up. This is the third time in 7 years. Screen porch damage but overall should be good.
October 10th, 2024 at 1:38 am
Prayers for all in the Bay area from here in Thailand.
Left Tampa years ago but my love for the Bucs has not diminished through time or distance. Family still in the area.
Formost is be safe. I experienced two real hurricanes after I left Tampa and I can tell you first hand they are no freaking joke. I hope everyone who needed to has already gotten to a place of safety.
God bless you all.
Go Bucs!
October 10th, 2024 at 8:41 am
My home is in Bradenton. We are staying in Orlando until this is over. Anyone know what is going on in Bradenton with power and water? I am in fear of what we will find when we return.
October 10th, 2024 at 8:46 am
Hope everyone is ok. Trying to get information about Sarasota is ridiculous. All the news channels wanna talk about Tampa, Orlando and Miami. I was born in Sarasota, but lived in Tampa and Orlando. Let us know how everyone is.
Joes, are you guys ok?
Thanks for everything you guys do with the Bucs. Live this site.
Good Luck guys and Go Bucs this weekend.
October 10th, 2024 at 9:59 am
Hope everyone is doing well down there this morning from the Internet it seemed to have calmed down alot before land fall. Still praying for you all…